Ben Duckett (63) and Ollie Pope (60) scored breezy half-centuries for the touring side who are 1-0 up in the three-Test series.
For Pakistan, spinner Abrar Ahmed claimed 7-114 on his remarkable Test debut.
The 24-year-old — nicknamed “Harry Potter” by friends because he wears glasses similar to those of the fictional boy wizard — spun magic of his own after England decided to bat on a turning pitch.
Ahmed became the 13th Pakistan bowler to take five or more wickets in an innings on debut.
At the break, Ben Stokes and Will Jacks were at the crease with 14 and zero respectively after the first session was extended for Friday prayers.
It was in complete contrast to the first Test, when England smashed 174-0 by lunch on the opening day.
Pakistan, aiming to level the series after losing the first Test by 74 runs, included three spinners in the line-up after paceman Naseem Shah was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Despite losing wickets regularly, England scored at a brisk pace, with Duckett knocking nine boundaries and a six and Pope cracking five to the rope.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam employed spin as early as in the ninth over, and Ahmed bowled Crawley with a sharp incoming delivery with his fifth Test ball.
He then trapped Duckett and Root leg-before — both given out only after Azam reviewed the on-field calls.
England, who won the opening match in Rawalpindi by 74 runs, are on their first Test tour of Pakistan since 2005.
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